I came across this website that provides trail profiles to many of the popular trails across the US. http://parkaymaps.110mb.com/ has links to elevation profiles, maps and google earth files that have been created by Chris Johnson aka Mr. Parkay.

The elevation profiles are a great resource for planning your trip and are fun to look at! Enjoy his work.

See you on the trail, Peter

As we prepare for our back country excursions this is the time of year to pack some of the most important items, mosquito control and prevention items! I carry at least a head netting and a good DEET formula. I have tried may and have found for me that the 3M Ultrathon works best.

Below I found this article from an unknown source about mosquito preparedness. I hope it helps you in the backcountry and see you on the trail, Peter

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Mosquito control for severe conditions

Encountering and suffering from mosquitoes seems to be part of the Sierra experience, especially in early summer. Severe conditions can range from the annoying, to producing actual danger from skin infections resulting either from the bites themselves, or from secondary scratching. Under the worst conditions, people can experience thousands of bites, and the incessant buzzing can make grown people cry.

Each year, those highly experienced on the trails encounter numerous people who are learning, the hard way, that many things touted for mosquito control do not work for most people.

Comparison of various repellents:

http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/IPM/Landscape/F2/InsectRepellents.htm

Beyond any question or debate, DEET (N,N-Diethyltoluamide) is the best product available to place on the skin that consistently works well. Frequently heard is concern that DEET may be a toxic chemical, but this is far from true. DEET is one of the most-used chemicals in the world, and it has been among the most-tested chemicals that exists. WHEN USED AS DIRECTED, it is very safe. The very rare situations in which side effects have occurred, it has been when the directions were NOT followed, such as immersing a child in it. Picardin and Oil of Eucalyptis are other options, although they are not as strong, don’t last as long, and are not studied anywhere near as much.

A newer product for mosquito protection, is permethrin, a product that has been used for the treatment of lice for decades. In it’s mosquito usage, it is applied ONLY to clothing and allowed to dry. It works best when the material is saturated. Unlike DEET, which is only a repellent and does no harm to the insect, permethrin BOTH repels mosquitoes and also kills them!! It will remain active through at least 5 washings, or several months. There have been virtually no reactions reported worldwide after decades of use. Ths standard use for lice is to coat a child in permethrin, at ten times the clothing dose, for 8 hours. This is so safe, it is over the counter treatment.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the World Health Organization both recommend the use of BOTH permethrin and DEET for maximal protection, especially in regions where mosquito disease transmission exists.

Those who have used the combination in bad mosquito areas find the combination remarkable at keeping the bugs at bay. Additionally, the permethrin eliminates biting through treated clothing.

For those who are afflicted by these insects, this represents a major step forward.

I have read many articles and emails about trekking poles or hiking poles. This is not going to be a pro/con article on why or why not you should use them. There are many articles related to the benefit of poles from a physical aspect. There are just as many articles about the types of poles to use and how to use them. This is just going to be my narrative on moving from no poles to poles.

I have been hiking, backpacking and trekking some 35+ years without trekking poles. I am a downhill and nordic skier for that same amount of time and have used poles. It was not until last year did I resort to using poles while out on a 4 day backpacking trip. By the third day my knees were starting to get stiff and give me a little bit of pain. Debbie my partner has been using poles for some time now, she said I should give her poles a try, I declined.

When I am backpacking, I always consider every item that I wear or carry for functionality and weight. My biggest protest against the use of poles was the weight. Even the lightest pole out there are around one pound, and this to me, was excessive.

Anyway, back to my story. By the third day we had a long downhill that was to last almost the entire day. By mid-morning my knees were screaming. I even was having thoughts that I may not be able to continue. Out came the ibuprofen and I was able to continue but was starting to lag behind the group. I was at a point where I had to try something.

I broke down and asked Debbie if I could use her poles. This was a changing moment. I will have to say that it did not take all the pain away, but I was able to continue and keep up with the group, in fact, I led the last section as we headed to the trail head.

Since that time, I bought some poles and I use them. It has change the way I hike. I especially love the assistance they give me on the downhills, but have found they give me a rhythm on the flats kind of like nordic skiing and I really fell in tune. On the uphills, I shorten them up a bit and get my arms involved in the climb. I feel they really get my whole body into the act.

I could go on about the benefits for me, but this is something that every individual will have to try out for themselves. My suggestion is to give them a try on your next multiday trek to really give them a full testing. Remember you do not have to use them every step of the way. There are situations when I collapse them and strap them to the back of the pack. But for the most part, I have them out and they are part of me…

See you on the trail, Peter

Today I received a card in the mail explaining the changes in the backcountry permitting at the Grand Canyon. Effective February 1, 2010, backcountry requests made in person during the fourth month prior to the requested trip start date will no longer receive immediate, priority consideration. Instead, all of these permit requests will be placed together with the requests received by fax and mail and considered based on the date received…

Great, I wish I would have know about this in the past, now it doesn’t even matter. I was always standing at the fax machine, checking the fax machine, kicking the fax machine, etc. trying to get my permit request to go through. All this time I just could have driving there and got my request submitted and added to the top of the pile!

Well now we are all in the same boat, you too can get your second or third choice of campsite/trip itinerary just like me! But it is well worth it, you can not just drive up to the edge of this big hole and not experience it on a multiday trip. I, like many others, have done single day trips down into the canyon, doing a rim-2-rim, or a rim-2-rim-2-rim day, not much time to enjoy the canyon to the fullest.

So if you want all the details go to the NPS Grand Canyon Website at: www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/permit_change.htm .

I thought this was a good question and an informative answer, OC.

Here is a question that was posed on the PCT-L: “What would you tell me are the 10 most important things to do in the months ahead to ensure a successful hike?” by Elderly Ellen. Here is the response from Wandering Bob:

1. Decide on what you expect to get from your trail experience, then plan accordingly.

2. Develop a budget and stick to it. Only you know how much you can afford to spend. Allow a reserve for the unexpected, as you WILL encounter it.

3. Research the trail for yourself. Don’t expect others on the forums and Yahoo Groups to just pony up the answers to all your questions. You are responsible for your own success or failure; make this YOUR hike.

4. Make a written route plan and calendar. Keep modifying it right up until the time you leave. Leave a copy of your plan and calendar with at least two different folks at home.

5. BE FLEXIBLE. No battle plan ever survives first contact with the enemy. The Trail Gods will screw with your plan; you can bet on it.

6. Be realistic regarding daily mileages when planning. Start low and work up. Just because you can pound out 20+ mile days on the flat parts does not mean you can do that in the mountains or on a continuous day-in, day-out basis. Fifteen mpd is a fast pace in the Sierra; 10 to 12 mpd is more reasonable as there is a huge amount of elevation gain and loss each day.

7. Avoid excess food weight. You won’t eat much anyway for the first couple of weeks until your body gets used to the routine and the physical stress. Have a plan for rehydrating and electrolyte replacement and stick to it. Dehydration and/or altitude sickness (brought on in great part by dehydration) can ruin your hike fast.

8. You will not use the same gear set continuously from end to end. Factor this into your re-supply strategy. Things will wear out, get lost, or just plain won’t work for you.

9. Plan for lay-over days. You will need them. How often and where is your choice. Rule of thumb: hike 6-7 days, rest 1. Lay-overs do not necessarily have to be town stops. We took one at Evolution Creek and another at the Ida Bell Hot Springs this summer.

10. Don’t be reluctant to get off the trail – for just a few days or for the rest of the season -if things turn to absolute crap. The trail is not going anywhere; it will still be there next year, and you can return refreshed, re-equipped, and more knowledgeable.

Here is an email that was posted on the PCT-L by Mtnned, very good info!

The question has come up regarding how to cross creeks safely and, in this case, minimize the “wet feet” time afterward.

Creek Crossing Principles:

1. You do not have to cross the creek where the trail does.

2. Look for dry, above water crossings first (naturally!).

3. Select a wet crossing route that is calm, shallow, has a good footing, and no bad run-out (rapids, rocks, etc..) 4. The creek will be lower in the mornings where fed by snow melt above.

5. The creek may be narrower and easier to cross uphill of you, so go check it out.

6. Always probe ahead when crossing on snow bridges.

7. Keep as much of your clothes dry as possible; strip to shorts if needed. Float your pack in a bag if necessary.

8. Do not hurry. It will be cold, even freezing, but don’t be hasty as you cross, especially with unsure footing.

9. Prepare for a quick re-warming on the other side and a change of clothes as needed.

10. Multi-person crossings can be safer.

Safety is your primary concern.

Route & Technique:

Above Water:

-Choose a route where you can walk or crawl across a log.

-Select a path where you can rock-hop from one to another to get across. Beware of potentially slippery surfaces (snow, ice, moss, little rocks on big ones, glacial polish, and wet rock in general. Grab bushes and branches as you go for balance.

In The Water:

-Protect your Balance before you start across:

-Choose a path that offers the best visible underwater footing, say on sand or gravel instead of rocks. If you can’t see the footing because of rapids, search the creek uphill for calmer waters.

-Use a long, strong pole, walking sticks, or branch as a “third leg” downstream. Learn how to use it to keep you from falling. If you use your walking sticks, make sure the extension locks are tight; a sudden collapse may mean you’ll be swimming. It is advisable to use both together for their combined strength.

-Cross in groups, arm-in-arm, perpendicular to the current, each person helping each other’s balance.

-Assure that you have optimal traction and predictable stability while crossing:

-Whenever possible, wear some form of footwear that will protect your feet from sharp submerged objects while able to maximize traction and adherence to the slippery rocks that live there. Often you will not be able to see where you are hoping to place your next step, so you will “feel” ahead for a good place to set your foot. Sometimes that place will be in a wedge or crevice between two rocks. In this case you may wish you were wearing a shoe with a hard, stiff rubber sole so you can straddle the wedge without twisting the ankle and losing your balance or experiencing the pain of your foot being squished between the two rocks and needing to make a fast next step to get out of it, sometimes to a place that was no better or even worse.

-Loosen pack belt and shoulder straps. Should you loose your balance and fall, you don’t want your pack’s weight to drag you under.

Snow Bridges:

-Never assume they can hold your weight. Always visualize both sides of the bridge for thickness and ice.

-Always probe ahead for strength and thickness. You will need greater and thicker if you are “posting” in boots versus walking on snowshoes or skis.

-Before crossing be aware of what it will take to get out of the water should you fall through.

-Always be ready to make camp and dry out if you survive even partial immersion in winter conditions.

After Crossing:

-On Snow, immediately put on warm, dry socks and your dry hiking boots. If you had to strip to shorts to make the crossing, get out of any and all wet clothing and replace with warm and dry. Your legs will probably be numb and you freezing. It is not advisable to try to dry out your clothes on your body while hiking thereafter. Do not take a chance on hypothermia. Keep your boots dry. Should you suffer full or partial immersion in snow-fed waters surrounded by more snow, but with sunny, dry ground or rocks nearby, and you still have your pack, quickly scramble to them and change clothes. If the weather is cold and cloudy, make camp and warm up until dry.

-On Dry Trail and with summer temperatures, it is advisable to keep your hiking footwear on while crossing the creek (as it is relatively easy to cut or injure your feet when you do a bare-foot crossing), then walk the boots dry the rest of the afternoon.. The next option is to change to dry socks after crossing and walk the boots dry. The last option is to carry some form of additional footwear just for creek crossings.

Those we have seen along the trail have been very lightweight, flexible foam versions that may or may not give you the foot protection and stability required to make safe and predictable crossings on all expected underwater surfaces. Whatever you use, make sure they stay on; loosing a shoe while crossing can be dangerous, too, besides embarrassing and trip-ending (although humorous)!

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Pct-l mailing list

Pct-l@backcountry.net

http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l

This 10 Essentials List was found on the PCT-L. I like the way it is formatted. I have slightly modified it…

NAVIGATION – map, compass, (know how to use them), the route description, GPS

NUTRITION – Food for each day plus one – (be able to return with some food)

ILLUMINATION – Headlamp with fresh batteries

HYDRATION – Water bottles (full) plus extra, or water treatment system, or a purifying filter

IGNITION – Matches, lighter, fire starter, or stove w/full fuel bottle/canister

RADIATION – Sun protection hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm

INSULATION – Base layer (wicking), insulation layer, rain gear or soft-shell outerwear

MEDICATION – First aid kit w/ fresh supplies, instructions, and the knowledge to use them; your own daily medication

PROTECTION – Shelter, space blanket, or sil-tarp can provide immediate sun or rain protection for yourself or accident victims

STABILIZATION – Trekking poles to use for third leg, mono-pod, shelter pole, cougar and bear defense, poison oak deflector, general poking and irritating of small creatures

RECREATION – Mobile phone device, Emergency booklets, signal whistle, signal mirror, knife, multi-tool, cord

Here are some of my favorite PCT pictures, click on a picture to enter viewer:

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5/23/08 – 5/25/08: Pacific Crest Trail, Section C – Crab Flats to I-15 – This section hike started with a little bit of a gloomy weather outlook. This section is planned to be a 4 day and 50+ mile trip. I posted it on the outdoorsclub.org website and had a number of people that signed up initially to join us. But in typical fashion most dropped out over the last two weeks prior to trip date, so we were left with 4 of us to enjoyed this trip. J, David, Deb, and I all met at the McDonalds near the I-15 and SR 138 at 6:45 am to coordinate the car shuttle. Inside McD’s we meet a few through hikers that were having some breakfast, and seemed to be pretty happy due to the fact that it had been raining, windy, and cold on their hike in this morning and during the past day. We left J’s car at the road outside McD’s and put the gear in the back of the truck and headed up the mountain to reach the jump off point at Crab Flats.
As we started up the 138 the rain continued off and on and the sky’s were getting darker. As we passed Silverwood Lake, it seemed we may get a little reprieve and things may turn around as some blue sky were starting to peek through but it was still fairly cold and dropping below 40. As we progressed up the mountain the fog set in and the rain became harder. At points I could not see more then 20 yards in front of the truck, this made for some slow mountain driving! As we pulled into Running Springs to make a last stop before jumping on the trail, the temperature was near 32 and it was snowing! I had a little apprehension about the drive on the forest roads to get to the trail head at Crab Flats, but the drive was only a little slow an muddy in spots but no problems. The area had burned about a year ago and was being cleared by some logging companies. We reached the trail head about 9:30 am with everyone in good spirits and ready to get moving. The snow had let up and the sky was starting to lighten up somewhat so I was hoping we would not get to much snow/rain and things would warms up.
We started on the trail about 9:30 in the morning and the trail was in good shape and for the first day the trail would descend down Holcomb Creek and then turn and drop into Deep Creek. I was glad to be back on the PCT, after not extending my advance on my quest to complete the entire length of the Pacific Crest Trail for the past couple of years. I had started my PCT quest in March of 2005 and due to issues beyond my control, had to resort to day outings in the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio wildernesses. After about an hour getting into rhythm, the sky started turning dark and a drizzle began to fall. For the next hour it would let up and then began again. Finally by late morning it started a steady drizzle, never letting up. As we progressed down the trail we can across a couple thru-hikers that were under a tarp trying to stay dry.  Come to find out, the woman had gotten separated from her two friends the prior day and had to spend the night without cover in this storm. The hiker with her had came upon her earlier in the morning and was helping her with shelter and trying to get her warmed up and back on track. We all had gotten into our rain gear by then, but by lunch, I was soaked through, but with my base layer and shell, stayed warm but damp. The rest of the day was in the fog and drizzle making the areas of burnt forest very surreal. We ran into a couple of thru-hikers that said they had seen a bear down in the ravine of Deep Creek, they claimed it to be about 400 pounds. I have my doubts, I guess I should contact the rangers station about status of bear in the area. I was told that this area was void of bears for many years by a ranger in the San Jacinto’s. As evening started to settle in, we were closing in on Deep Creek Hot Springs, a great destination, but camping at the hot springs is prohibited. As we entered the Hot Springs area, we could see that many other people had the same idea as us to settle in and try to get warm and dry. Breaking into my pack to get the tent, still in a cold light rain, I came to learn that most everything had gotten somewhat wet. I guess lessen learned (again), line the inside of the backpack with a trash compactor bag….. (continued to Part 2)